Page 95 of Serpentine

“Or what?” I tease, poking her side.

“Or I’ll get Brax to beat you up. He is bigger, you know.”

I laugh, and she shushes me.

“She’s right. I am. Don’t pick on her,” Brax murmurs, shifting on the bed.

“You’re supposed to be resting,” I taunt as Aella moves off my lap and gets into bed with Brax, coiling around him for warmth and comfort. His face turns, and he kisses her forehead.

Looking at the both of them together, both of the people I’ve ever cared for, nuzzling into one another, means more than I can ever express.

“Go get us some dinner, peasant,” Brax commands, and Aella lifts her hand in approval.

“Yeah, mush, mush!” she adds, and I shake my head at the both of them.

Aella closes her eyes and snuggles closer as Brax turns into her and does the same.

“Alright, alright. I’ll get food. I’ll be back.”

Both murmur as I move closer and kiss Aella on the cheek. I hover momentarily, hesitating for a second before doing the same to Braxton.

The world has gone topsy-turvy, so why not let the chips fall where they may?

TWENTY-NINE

BRAXTON

Looking over, I spy Aella. She’s used the hospital room shower to clean up after her shift undercover for her father. Now she’s stuffing all her belongings into the duffle bag she’s been keeping in the room with me.

I’ve been arguing with her for two days, and it isn’t safe to keep coming here. She could be seen or found out. After all, she is her father’s daughter, and the media loves to catch glimpses of her every chance they can.

“I think you need to stay more at your apartment,” I tell her. She pads over and motions for me to move over on the bed to make room for her.

“This again? Really, Brax. Just give it up.” She sighs, pulling the covers Miles had brought from my bedroom to the hospital for me over us both. She settles in and closes her eyes beside me.

The bed is meager, and it’s uncomfortable for both of us. But it means we end up tangled together closely as we sleep. And that, I can’t complain about.

“I just…” I begin, and her hand on my chest, sliding down my stomach, stops me.

“Shh, just be quiet. It was a long shift.” She does this: comes here, decompresses after work, and naps for a short while, and then she’ll get up and get us dinner. Sometimes, Miles brings dinner.

Thinking about Miles is confusing, and a thrill races inside me. The moment we kissed comes rushing back to me. It’ll live in my mind for the rest of my days. I thought I’d only have the kiss we shared years ago to dwell on. To use when I’m feeling naughty, sliding my cock through my hand in moments of weakness.

She clears her throat, and I’m present again. My eyes open.

“Is this for me?” she asks, and her hand skims over my hard dick behind my sweatpants.

I groan, unable to help myself.

“I—Pl—Please, Aella. Don’t…” I grit out as she grips me firmer, stroking lazily as she looks deep into my eyes, not shying away from how intensely I’m staring back at her.

“What were you thinking about?” she asks, reading me perfectly.

“Nothing,” I say, trying to shove her hand away.

But she’s stealthy and finds me again, this time squeezing.

I turn into her, breaking her hold on me. “I was thinking about the kiss. With Miles,” I admit, knowing she’s going to torture me until I tell her.